Reminder of Participation/Attendance Policy

This topic was discussed in class on Friday, but a few students were absent.

Usually instructors at a university do not contact their students because of attendance (it is the student's responsibility, not the instructor's); however, I did remind the other students of the participation points earned for attendance in Friday's class session. The syllabus states that you cannot earn points if you do not come to class. On a day of an absence, you lose points for the in-class participation (in-class activities , discussion, journals). After three unexcused absences, there is a deduction of 5 points from the participation portion of your overall grade (200 points of the entire class). Each class period is worth 3 points and you cannot earn those if you have an excused or unexcused absence. While you do not accumulate excused absences to have points SUBTRACTED from your grade, you cannot earn the participation points. I assigned a major project this past class session on Friday. Please check Blackboard for the information.

Sincerely,
Ms. Coleman

Journal #9 - 11/9/09

For this journal assignment, I would like you all to find two famous quotes and post them on the blog (in English of course). These may help you or your peers if they are ever in need of an attention-getter for an essay.

This is due Friday at midnight. Remember, technology excuses are not allowed!

Requirements:
- You cannot choose/post a quote that has already been posted by another student.
- Please include the speakers' names with the quotes (please state if anonymous).
- Give a short explanation (1-2 sentences) of what each quote means.
- You should read other students' quotes. It could really be useful someday.

You may press "comment" below this blog post to post your quotes. Include both quotes and their explanations in the same post.

Remember, no class on Wednesday 11/11 to celebrate Veteran's Day.

Have a great week,
Ms. Coleman

Assignment #3

I have pushed back the due date of Assignment #3's rough draft. Instead of being due on Wednesday, Oct. 21, I have changed the due date to Friday, Oct. 23. The rough draft's due date will stay the same (Wednesday, Oct. 28).

Have a good weekend!

Topic for Journal #4

Compare/contrast an aspect (or aspects) of the culture of your home country and the culture of the U.S. Feel free to write about any topic listed below, but please avoid making stereotypes. Give examples to support your opinions.

First, you must create a diagram to compare/contrast between the two cultures using either a chart or the Venn diagram.

Then, please write a one page summary or critique of your findings from brainstorming the similarities and differences of the two cultures.

You may discuss one or more of the following subjects:

- sports/activities
- food
- weather/geography
- language
- politics/voting
- family

If you have other topics about the two different cultures you wish to discuss, please do so!

Have a nice weekend,
Ms. Coleman

Journal #3

The topic for journal #3:

What is your favorite movie? It does not have to be an American film. Please briefly summarize the film, introduce the main characters, and explain why it is your favorite movie.

The usual journal requirements apply.

Announcement for Week 9/21- 9/25

Well, I have finished grading the rough draft of Assignment #1, which was due this past Friday. If you have not turned it in, make sure you bring it to the next class session. This Monday will equal a 10 point reduction, Wednesday a 20 point reduction, and Friday a 30 point reduction.

Class has been canceled for Wednesday 9/23 to allow for our first week of conferencing! These are sessions where we will discuss your graded rough draft for Assignment #1. Please come to my office (Faner 4333) at the time for which you signed up. If you are late, it could throw off the rest of the conferences, so BE ON TIME. Thank you in advance. Also, if you cannot make it, let me know in advance that you need to reschedule. Otherwise, you cannot make up the points that are given for these conferences.

A new tentative schedule was handed out in class on Friday with some changes. Please check Blackboard or remind me to give you a copy of the handout.

Although there is no class on Wednesday, the Assignment #1 rough draft (for the students turning it in late) must be brought to my office by 2:00 PM, or it will become late and due by Friday's due date (in class at 2:00PM also). Remember, do NOT put late assignments in my mailbox!

There will be a journal assigned tomorrow to be turned in by Wednesday. These can be emailed to me before 2:00PM on Wednesday or brought to my office before 2:00PM.

This should be all for now! I had lots of announcements this week!

See you tomorrow,

Ms. Coleman

Research Day

As you know, tomorrow (9/14) is "Research Day" for our class. We will not have our regular class session. However, I will be in my office (Faner 4333) from 12:00-3:00 PM; I will not come to our regular classroom during our class time (2:00-2:50). I will still be in my office. This time is reserved for you to research in preparation for Assignment #1 which is due Friday 9/18. My extended office hours are for you. Some people cannot make it to my regular office hours, so I've specifically canceled our class so you have an opportunity to speak with me. If you have any questions about your topic or Assignment #1, please stop by my office tomorrow. Good luck researching - come with any questions about Assignment #1 on Wednesday.